PITTSBURGH, PA—March 23, 2018—Three Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) members who demonstrate ONS’s commitment to future planning and stewardship were newly elected to the Board of Directors in February 2018. Heather Mackey, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCN®, Susan Bruce, MSN, RN, CTTS, OCN, AOCNS®, and Anne Ireland, MSN, RN, AOCN®, CENP, were elected by the ONS membership to serve three-year terms with the ONS Board of Directors. Each member could serve part of their terms as president, secretary, or treasurer.    “We look forward to leveraging the strengths, talents, and rich experiences that each of our new board members brings to the table,” ONS president-elect, Laura Fennimore, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, said. “Welcome aboard, Susan, Anne, and Heather. I look forward to working together.”   As part of the nominating process, each candidate cited ways they’ve advanced excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care in their practice. Bruce, after becoming a certified tobacco treatment specialist (CTTS), implemented new smoking cessation programs at her institution, drawing primary referrals from lung cancer specialists. To date, her smoking cessation program has more than a 35% success rate and has seen more than 300 patients.    Mackey, a champion for certification and continuing education, has worked on numerous projects and programs to enhance the knowledge of oncology nurses. Her work includes developing oncology nursing core competencies, online courses, and clinical practice guidelines. She’s also authored articles for the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing and ONS Voice, as well as being the chair of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Certification News.    Ireland was the founding president and driving force for the formation of the ONS Northern Vermont chapter. She’s worked in Canada and the United States in ambulatory and inpatient settings. She’s also been involved in the design and implementation of the Ambulatory Care Model to improve the coordination of care for patients with cancer and their families.    ONS’s Leadership Development Committee identified candidates for director-at-large positions from ONS’s membership. As part of ONS’s ongoing commitment to cultivating future nurse leaders, the committee will continue to work with ONS members to identify and develop the leadership qualities of future potential candidates.    ONS is a professional association of more than 39,000 members committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Learn more at www.ons.org.   Media Contact: Aaron Borchert
                         aborchert@ons.org ####